Huntley High School Volleyball Girls Season Preview

The Huntley High School volleyball team is gearing up for another exciting season. As they strive to defend their Fox Valley Conference Championship and make it to the state finals, the team is full of skilled players ready to give their all on the court. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Karen Naymola to get a glimpse of what to expect this year. First, Coach Naymola highlighted the returning players who will be key in achieving their goals this season. "Our aim every year is to make it downstate and this year is no different," she said. Last season's success and championship has set the expectations high for this team. Leading the charge are goal-oriented seniors Georgia Watson at OH and Mari Rodriquez at DS/L. Watson, committed to play at the University of Kentucky next year, is described as "a great player, leader, and competitor" by Naymola. With her versatile skills, she will undoubtedly make an immediate impact on the team. Rodriquez, also a senior, is a "great leader" and has excellent ball control, making her a valuable asset to the team. In addition, senior OH Sienna Robertson and MB Jocely Erling will also be vital players for the team's success. Robertson is described as "a smart go-to hitter" who keeps the team calm on the court. Erling, who will be playing at Harper College, is praised for her strong attacking abilities and blocking skills. When it comes to team captains, Naymola looks for certain qualities in players. Junior setter Abigail Whitehouse's "great hands" and ability to run a fast offense and sophomore DS/L Izzy Whitehouse's quickness and scrappiness make them both excellent candidates for captains. Both players demonstrate strong leadership skills and will play a significant role in motivating the team to reach their full potential. Motivation is a crucial aspect of any team's success, and Naymola knows this well. She emphasizes team bonding through activities like pasta parties, and this year, the team also has a mental strength coach coming in to help them push themselves further. These team-building efforts have created a competitive and intense atmosphere in practices, motivating the players to push themselves to their limits. However, the team hasn't been without challenges in preparing for the season. Naymola notes that the practices are fast and hard to push and motivate the players, and sometimes injuries can be a hindrance.